A/N: In the last chapter, towards the end, there wasn't much dialogue. I was lost. I realized that Rei and Heero would be out of character to act overly-friendly, if at all. So, I'm trying desperately to stick to the character personalities, but I think some minor offenses will be made to work this out, to at the very least get them past the "I-just-met-you-and-it's-awkward phase."

Chapter Three

Minako had just barely managed to slip out of Rei's bedroom, softly closing the door behind her when she heard the musical announcement of someone at the front door. Heading for the front door she wondered why Rei-chan would bother ringing the doorbell instead of using her key. Perhaps it wasn't her. Maybe it was Duo, but without Rei? A frown creased her forehead as she opened the door.

She was staring into green eyes that made Makoto's look pale and Makoto had the greenest eyes she knew. Correction: Used to have. There was a man connected to those eyes and if her eyes weren't deceiving her, the rest of that man was as gorgeous as those eyes.

"I'm Trowa Barton. A Duo Maxwell told me that he was here. I'm here to see him. Is he around?" His voice was velvety, that or she was imagining it. She nodded, having already forgot his question. "Can I come in then?" Another nod. She found herself leading him into the kitchen where she stood completely dumb-founded. What was wrong with her?

This handsome creature --what had he called himself?—Trowa began to look around the room and his eyes came back to her. "So, where exactly was Duo, did you say? He told me it was urgent."

As if he'd just popped her fantasy bubble, she snapped to reality. "Duo? Why would he be here?" the words came flying out faster than she thought them over.

His face was overcome with a look of annoyance. "Did you not just tell me that Duo WAS, in fact here?"

A blush stole over her face and she looked at her fingers, which were twiddling fast. "I might have said that. Duo, he took my best friend, Rei out. They're having dinner. I don't think they'll be back for a while yet." She sounded like an ashamed child trying to explain some unforgivable sin she'd committed.

Trowa's mouth went into a classic 'Oh' shape. "That Duo character." His voice sounded light, as if he was on the edge of laughter, yet his face didn't mirror the emotion in his voice.

"Forgive me if I don't understand this private joke…" Minako was quickly headed to irritation. A change of subject was in order. "But, since you're here, would you like something to eat?" Trowa seemed lost in thought as he stared at her. She wondered what he was thinking. "If you're thinking I made it, you're mistaken. I assure you I'm no cook. It's food that my chef friend, Makoto prepared for me." Was that a smile?

"I don't think I should." The tone of voice showed that he agreed with his conclusion fully, yet those eyes told her he wanted to stay.

"Maybe if you stay, you can explain what Duo's done and hopefully, they'll be home by the time we're done eating. Makoto prepared all sorts of culinary delights sure to make your senses think they've died and gone up. You know you want to stay, Mister Barton." Minako hoped that her proposition sounded appealing. This man was the nicest looking guy she'd seen in a long time.

"I guess. But just for a little bit. It's been quite a long time since something has made my mouth water." The sparkle in those eyes told her those words carried more than one meaning. She gave him her most flirtatious smile and headed for the basket that Makoto had dropped off earlier.

Duo was constantly telling him, 'Trowa, if you don't get out there and look, you'll die a lonely old bastard or turn gay, whichever comes first.' It looked like Duo decided to find him a girl instead. This was just too convenient. He couldn't be too mad at Duo because he had chosen a rather gorgeous female. How had he known that he was prone to like blondes more? He had trouble choosing a place to admire on her, her whole frame was beautiful. Refreshing.

She had her attention focused on the basket and pulling each of its' contents out. Her golden hair was splayed on her shoulders and down her back. If anything, the color only proved to intensify her blue eyes. The blue was pure. Hell, she was pure. Her bosom was perfectly sized, not too big or too small, her frame semi-petite but not at all disgusting. He wouldn't mind getting to know this lovely woman.

"So…" He felt as if the silence needed to end. He wanted to hear her soft voice again. "What are we going to be savoring tonight?" His implication was directed at the food she was placing on plates, yet she looked up with those blue eyes and her right eyebrow rose.

"It appears to be home-cooked lasagna, a chef salad, and to top it off…" she did a small drum roll. Usually childish things like this irritated him. He found it adorable coming from her. "Home-made strawberry ice cream. Makoto is quite the excellent cook."

His mouth watered. He wasn't sure if it was due to the enticing way she was standing or the thoughts of all the delicious food. Her gaze hadn't left his yet. "Tell me about yourself Trowa." Her question was casual, something you'd expect from a person who'd just met you and would be spending time with you. Yet, with his lifestyle, the question was intrusive. He didn't want to answer. 'Trowa, get out there. Jump without a safety net for once!' Duo's words rang in his head.

"There's not very much to say. I'm twenty-four years old. A bachelor, I guess. But my bachelor pad is messy due to my room-mate. Can you guess who?" His eyes had turned playful all of a sudden. She liked him a lot so far. Maybe Duo had been thinking rationally when he rigged this "unexpected meeting."

"Duo?" her guess was accurate of course. "I never expected him to be messy. So what about family? Siblings? Parents?"

His eyes darkened at her mention of family. "My friends: Quatre, Heero, Wufei and Duo. That's my family." He seemed to put a wall up. "Your turn." His voice was flat. Why was the mention of family insulting?

"Well, I guess I'm kind of boring as well. I'm twenty-one. I live with Rei-chan, here. She's my best friend ever. I like things like romance flicks and I guess I'm one of those real mushy girls holding out for a knight in shining armor. God only knows what Duo's trying to do." She threw her hair over her shoulder and carried the plates to the table.

He stood to help with the plates but she waved her hands at him and gestured to his seat. "We all have our secrets Trowa. I'm sorry if I trod where I shouldn't have." She shifted uncomfortably and headed for her seat. "You said you were going to tell me what Duo's up to." His gaze met hers and he appeared to be considering her words.

"I think he's trying to find a way to kick me out of the state of bachelor-hood. I don't think that our meeting like was an accident on his part. He told me to come over directly at nine p.m. to this address. Said it was important."

She frowned. "It would seem he meant for us to meet. I don't know what he thought would come from it though."

"Well, he knows that I won't make the first move, apparently."

A grin split across her face. If she had seen him around, she definitely would have made an excuse to initiate in a conversation, hoping for a phone number. Her outgoing personality was off. She wasn't doing so hot with this firecracker.

The Restaurant

During the last two hours, Heero and she seemed to have broken through some barriers, with a push from Makoto, of course. The first ten minutes were definitely the most awkward, but after that, they seemed to find subjects that weren't uncomfortable. She almost felt at ease with him. He was a quiet person by nature. But he seemed to be acting completely out of character, trying to find things to talk about.

"What do you do for a living?" his question made her uneasy. She had a double-life. Her careers were what an eccentric individual would deem strange. She played with the idea of an answer, hoping he wouldn't notice her stalling by sipping the tea in front of her.

After an exaggerated swallow, she toyed with her fork and then answered, "I'm kind of a stay-at-home type of person. I don't get out much. I do online medical statements and do some basic home-business things." Her answer was short and the look she gave him, pleaded with him to change the subject or at the very least not delve further.

"Oh." His face was indifferent. She frowned. "So we haven't discussed where and when we'll be going out again." He had decided that they needed to figure out the basics before they left, as it was everyone was finished eating and the waiter had run off to get the check. He had asked her out. The least he could do was following through.

"I love any Asian foods, particularly Thai, but I'm compatible with pizza as well. I'm free most any days at all times. Umm, I love action films, as mentioned before, not a fan of sappy romance. I'm all for picnics in the local park or exciting amusement parks. A wide range of activities, really. What do you want to do?" She felt bold. She was totally embracing this whole dating thing with him for some reason. In the short time they had been together, she had felt the urge to get to know him better, to bring him out of his shell.

"Well, I vote a good movie and perhaps dinner. Pizza sounds great!" the enthusiasm in his voice stunned her. For the life of her, she'd never understand guys. He ran hot and cold so damn often. How Duo and he were friends was way beyond her.

Before she could reply, Ami interrupted her. "Rei-chan. I think we're ready to go. Are you getting a ride home from Duo?" As far as she knew the answer was yes.

"Of course she's coming with me." Duo grinned and looked in Heero's direction. "Heero is coming with us too. I want him to meet Minako too." Heero looked surprised. Why did she get the impression that Duo hadn't revealed this little tid-bit to him?

Things somewhat situated, the girls hugged and Rei watched with a small smile as Quatre 'snuck' his number to Ami. Things must have gone well for them tonight. She had trouble looking away from Heero the whole evening. Still she hadn't placed where she had seen him before. She felt that it was important, but it seemed the harder she tried to figure it out, the harder it was. She would leave it be. It didn't really matter anyway.

The Trip Home

Duo had insisted that Heero and Rei both sit in the back of his car. When they adamantly refused for appearances' sake, he reasoned it was so that neither would feel treated unfairly by being in the back alone while he talked with the 'lucky one' up front.

Rei made a very big show out of watching the night-life. She couldn't think of anything to talk about… so she let Duo and Heero babble back and forth. She glanced at the dashboard clock and saw that it was 9:49. Hunter would be in bed. She missed him. What would Heero think of a kid? She snuck a glance at him and saw that his eyes were on her.

He was trying desperately to think of something to say to her. Duo was asking stupid questions about the night and he was giving him uninterested short-answers. He wasn't getting the point. He kept finding his eyes drawn to this mysterious woman. Maybe a relationship between two people who had 'secretive' lives could work. He wouldn't ask questions of her and likewise with him.

Her eyes found his. He was stunned by how gorgeous she looked at night. He felt his "doggy bag" slip out of his hand as he stiffened in her gaze. Her eyes could see through him, of this he was sure. She knew what he was thinking! He reached down to grab it and his arm brushed her bare leg. She quickly pulled her leg away as if burned. He felt a shiver of warmth go up his back. That was interesting!

Goosebumps went all up her and she shivered. God, what a sensation. He was so warm. She hadn't been touched by a guy in so long, excluding Duo. She liked the feeling. She ached remembering the nights in bed with Derek, the sensations lost seemingly forever.

"Sorry." His voice was deep. Was he feeling it too? She met his gaze.

"No biggie." Her voice was crisp. How was she supposed to react to this? She saw Duo's gaze on her in the rear-view mirror.

Blossoming romance. He had provided the foundation for this. Why wasn't he happy about it? A wave of ache passed through his chest. At the very least one would think that he should be overjoyed that Rei was finally cleaning up and treading through the mess that Derek's death had caused. He had never felt jealous before. Was this what the feeling was?

Rei's House

Trowa and Minako were sitting down on the sofa, watching a James Bond movie. Minako was one of those people that had a horrible habit of talking through movies… one of those people who had a horrible habit of yelling at actors and such. Trowa was annoyed, yet everything besides the movies was wonderful! He had his arm resting on the back of the sofa, which just so happened to go behind her as well. A smile was plastered on his face.

She needed an excuse to lay her head on his shoulder or something. The old Minako would have been wrapped in this man's arms by now! She frowned at the action-filled screen and looked at Trowa. He was smiling. How strange. Would he believe some phony excuse? It was worth a shot.

"Trowa?" her voice seemed loud in the room, mirrored with gunshots.

"Yeah?" he looked at her. God, he was gorgeous.

"I'm a little bit cold, do you mind?" she scooted closer to his side and saw his eyebrows draw together. He nodded hesitantly. "Okay. Thanks. Just one more thing." She got up from her seat and ran to turn off the lights. His eyebrows went up. She rejoined him on the sofa.

Was this supposed to be a hint? He didn't want to take advantage of the package she was dangling in front of him. Girls were so damn tricky. Kiss her and get yelled at for thinking she was 'a girl like that,' or ignore it and let her think he wasn't Very interested in this. A frown was in order. Think, Trowa. What would Duo do?

Minako turned her face up towards him. What was wrong with him? Any normal guy with eyes would have been all over her by now. She needed that. No one had really dated since Derek because it upset Rei so much. At least she, of all the scouts, hadn't had a guy over for the night for two years! Rei refused to allow men over. It was a general rule. One she had agreed upon for Rei's sake directly after Derek's accident, but regretted a hour later.

Just as she was thinking of doing it herself, Trowa leaned towards her, eyes wide open and unsure. She leaned towards him…